A man who was attacked by two dogs outside his home has described his ordeal as ‘the most difficult’ time of his life.

Keith Chadwick has been left ‘permanently scarred’ despite undergoing four hours of surgery following the horror incident.

He is now worried that his injuries will cause people to stare at him and think he is a thug

The father-of-three suffered severe face and leg injuries during the terrifying attack by two Staffordshire bull terriers on Fife Street in Accrington – and underwent four hours of surgery at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Keith, 36, a postman, said the incident will have a ‘big impact’ on his future life and has left his family traumatised.

Speaking exclusively to the Observer he said: “I honestly thought to myself ‘I have gone here, this is it’.

“I didn’t know how bad my face was but I knew I was bleeding very badly.

“I think the only way I got through it was adrenaline, determination and my pure size. It was a horrible, intense pain and really stung. I just kept thinking of my wife and kids.”

Keith said he has received a ‘face lift’ from a cosmetic surgeon as there was too much loose skin on his face and he now needs crutches to help him walk.

He said: “It’s madness what’s happened. I still can’t get my head round it all. I’m not bothered about my scars but what has massively upset me is that I haven’t had a proper cuddle or kiss off my youngest daughter. When we went to pick her up from school she wouldn’t get in the car or look at my face and when she comes into the living room I have to hold a pillow against my head.

“It’s heart-wrenching. Why should she have to go through this?” Keith, who has been a postman in the borough for more than 15 years, said the injuries ‘could have been a lot worse’ and he is now aiming to return to work by next month.

He said: “It’s been the most difficult and frightening time of my life. I think people are just going to look at me and think I’m a thug.

“I’m going to get stares and if I end up going for a job interview I know it will affect my chance of getting it.

“It will have a big impact in future life.”

The incident happened on Tuesday, March 24.

A man from Accrington was arrested on suspicion of having a dog dangerously out of control in a public place. He has been bailed until May 11.